Friday, November 22, 2013

John F. Kennedy and Tea

Those living on November 22, 1963, remember exactly where they were when John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, was assassinated in Dallas, TX. I was sitting in a high school [10th grade] history class when the announcement came over the P.A. system - 50 years ago today. What a horrible tragedy!

Ireland issued a tea-themed stamp commemorating President Kennedy's visit to Ireland in 1963. He is being served tea by his cousin's daughter, Mary Ann Ryan in Dunganstown.

[Internet Photo]

Having tea in Ireland in 1963 with relatives.

[Internet Photo]

The fall 2002 issue of Boston College Magazine features an article with the title "How Kennedy Beat Lodge by Inviting Women to Tea." The article states that the 1952 tea parties were carefully planned by Polly Fitzgerald - Rose Kennedy's first cousin - and were a successful effort to get the women's vote for JFK's senate race.Most of the teas were held in large rented halls or elegant hotel ballrooms. With JFK's charismatic mother and sisters by his side, he would begin the teas by thanking everyone for coming, and asking for their support.

[Internet photo of Rose Kennedy at the microphone with JFK and his sisters seated]

Henry Cabot Lodge said after losing the senate race to JFK, "He floated into Senate on an ocean of tea."

[Internet Photo]

[Internet Photo]

[Internet photo of Jackie with her mother at a campaign tea]

At Kennedy's request, Lady Bird Johnson took an expanded role during the 1960 Presidential campaign, due to Jacqueline Kennedy's pregnancy. Over 71 days, she traveled 35,000 miles through 11 states and appeared at 150 events, some of which were teas.

Famous photo of President Kennedy having a tea party with his daughter, Caroline, in 1963.

[Internet Photo]

In adulthood, Caroline will be drinking lots of tea as the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan. The Kennedy political legacy continues on.

I remember the day well and have watched so many movies on the life of JFK - an admirable president. Before Princess Diana, was Jackie who led the fashion scene and I loved seeing photos of her in magazines.